Have you ever been out on the road and had a flat tire? Maybe you felt like it was just an inconvenience, or maybe you were really worried about being stranded. Whatever your feelings are, if this has happened to you before, then there is no doubt that it can be terrifying. Below, we’ll cover some questions to ask if you’re ever in a situation like this. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of when it’s ok to simply patch your tire and when you should get the tire replaced as soon as possible.
Which Part of the Tire is Damaged?
Typically, it is best to patch up flats on the side of the tire that has the least amount of damage. If you are not able to repair any holes or other damage, then you might have to replace your tires all together, just because it is safer for yourself and others. If there are only small punctures to the tread, then it might just be possible to patch them up with a tire plug kit.
How Bad Is the Damage?
If you can see the damage and it is very small, then their tire might just be good as new with a patch. If there are any small holes or other damage to the tire, then it is likely that it will be possible to stop air from escaping by patching the hole.
How Quickly Can You Address the Problem?
If you are able to address the problem quickly, it might just be good enough for you to get home or to a nearby mechanic and patch the tire. You will not want to drive too far with an unsafe tire, because it could cause damage to your wheels and other components on your car.
Is There Any Wheel Damage?
While tires are made of sturdy rubber, most wheels are made of relatively thin aluminum that’s not meant to come in contact with the road. When you stop to assess the damage of a flat tire, you should first check to make sure that there is no visible damage to the wheel itself before patching the tire. This is because driving on damaged wheels is very dangerous and can lead to further, more costly damage to other vehicle parts. If the wheel is bent, scratched, or damaged in any way, it’s best to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop to get the wheel replaced as soon as possible.
What About the Tread?
Since the tread itself is the only part of the tire that’s meant to come in contact with the road, it is important to check the depth and quality of this tread rubber. If there is any damage to the tread, then it might be time for some new tires altogether. Look out for cracks or areas where the tread is worn and shallow. The tread condition can help you determine whether it is best to patch up the flat or to replace your current tires.
Key Takeaways
With this information in mind, if you see a problem with your tire, then it is best to patch it up or get it fixed as soon as possible. If you cannot fix the damage, or if there is additional damage to the tire, then you will probably have to replace it altogether so that you can feel safe while on the road.
